01 July 2009

Seating Al Franken Could Ultimately Backfire For Dems

KNOCK YOURSELVES OUT!

Now, The Post-"Victory" Hangover Begins For Democrats

*** UPDATES BELOW ***

Are Democrats truly ready for a Senator Al Franken?

As the party finishes celebrating itsstolen election "victory", it must now contend with the sobering reality that a bona fide loose cannon has joined its ranks. The hangover will be unpleasant indeed.

Consider first that Democrats don't actually need Franken, as they've already got a healthy majority. And with Senators Byrd and Kennedy generally unavailable, that magical, filibuster-stopping number 60 isn't as meaningful as it could have been. In addition, other Dems up for re-election next year are already showing signs of keeping distance from Harry Reid & Co.

Soon, Democrats will realize that while the idea of Franken's victory in Minnesota seemed appealing last year, his belated seating now creates unnecessary headaches for the party. Here's why:

While ordinary mortals in the Senate chamber are expected to use discretion in their public statements, this is a foreign concept to Franken. His "election" inserts a second Joe Biden into the mix, but with an added nasty edge not normally seen in the hapless vice-president. No matter what he promises, Al will NEVER change. He can't.

As Franken's actions are now in full public view, the free ride is over. Though the media will continue to defend him, opponents will have better access to the details of his antics. It will become more difficult to escape scrutiny.

Though the Republican Party remains largely inept at this time, even its currently-lackluster leadership must recognize the potential goldmine Franken's seating has unlocked. Especially as he inevitably screws up, Stuart will provide a symbolic face of the Democratic Party that will likely result in additional contributions and votes for Republicans from coast to coast.